We are proud to announce the arrival of our newest product line for FIRST robotics teams and hobbyists alike...
The
RobotOpen Control Shield for Arduino and the
RobotOpen Protocol.
Since 2009 we have been experimenting with low cost open-source control systems for mobile robotics.
Prototype Arduino Based Control System
Our success with these systems prompted us to design a solution that was readily accessible to FIRST teams and leveraged our interest in Arduino and open-source software development.
Our RobotOpen Control Shield fits the standard Arduino platform and is intended as a drop in replacement for an NI cRIO. The shield is fitted with a 37 pin connector that directly connects to a Digital Sidecar and gives you access to 10 pwm outputs and 8 digital I/O. The shield also has support for 6 analog inputs.
Keeping old robots up and running or developing practice bots with this system is simple and low-cost. The Arduino at the heart of the system is open-source, student friendly and well supported throughout the hobby community.
Along with the shield we have developed the RobotOpen Protocol and associated Arduino libraries. The protocol and libraries, when combined with our Driver Station App make setting up joysticks and controlling your robot via wifi a cinch. The Robotopen Protocol is the real gem of this system as it takes the mystery out of UDP based wifi communications for your robots.
The driver station app is platform neutral and is designed to work with most popular USB input devices. Our protocol also supports transmitting data back from your robot.
This FRC specific product is the first in a series of similar control products based on the RobotOpen Protocol; including some exciting work we're doing with tablets and smart phones.
We are putting the finishing touches on our web portal now. We plan to be live for ordering this weekend. Happy FRC Season 2012.
See the attached spec sheet for more info.